Going to be pulling my first Protege engine. Tips, tricks, hints

[mazdarichie]

I have pulled many engines in the past. Just never one from a 02 Protege5 or a 03 Protege. Going to be pulling one from each here in the next couple of weeks. What I was wanting to know is there anything special that I need to do to get this engine out? Any special tools needed? Any tricks to getting it all apart? Anything I need to be looking for when the engine is out? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Jackie chan]

If you've pulled other motors before, you'll be fine. Proteges are super simple and easy. and Id put in a new rear motor mount regardless of how yours looks.

 

[MrGiggles]

It's all nuts and bolts man.

A/C and P/S pumps are removed and left with the car. Shifter rod needs to be disconnected, rear motor mount bolt removed, starter and alternator wiring unhooked, and both axles pulled from underneath. Trans and radiator need to be drained as well.

For the exhaust, I left the J-pipe and pre-cat with the car, you'll have to pull the upper manifold and remove a support bolt on the bottom of the engine, then it will swing forward out of the way.

From the top you pull the other three engine/trans mounts, pull all the wiring and vacuum hoses back, and remove the radiator.

 

[bad/andy/gk]

i am in the process of changing my 03 msp engine. its actually super easy. the rear engine mount got a few choice words. get some wd-40, a 3/8 breaker bar, a 1/2 inch breaker bar with extensions, and air tools make it easier. the hardest part i found was removing the front suspension items to remove the axles, i cut alot of bolts. i have an a/c guy that came right to my house to evac the a/c refrigerant.
i read info from other members on this forum before getting into it, there are alot of smart guy/gals on this site.
when i pulled the motor/trans from my parts car it took about 2.5 to 3 hours.
don't sweat it. take your time, take pics, grab a case of beer, and you'll be good to go...

 

[MrGiggles]

i am in the process of changing my 03 msp engine. its actually super easy. the rear engine mount got a few choice words. get some wd-40, a 3/8 breaker bar, a 1/2 inch breaker bar with extensions, and air tools make it easier. the hardest part i found was removing the front suspension items to remove the axles, i cut alot of bolts. i have an a/c guy that came right to my house to evac the a/c refrigerant.
i read info from other members on this forum before getting into it, there are alot of smart guy/gals on this site.
when i pulled the motor/trans from my parts car it took about 2.5 to 3 hours.
don't sweat it. take your time, take pics, grab a case of beer, and you'll be good to go...

Remove the A/C compressor from the engine and tie it back, leave it with the car. No need to evacuate.

The axles can be popped loose (let them sit inside the trans though) with the engine in, then remove them after you lift the engine a few inches. Do the opposite when you go back together, no need to take any of the suspension apart with this method. Two people make it a lot easier when you go back together.

I've also seen the trans left in the car, but I think it would be a real b**** to align the input shaft when you reinstall.

While you have it apart, look over the rear main seal and clutch, and consider replacing the axle seals.

 

[bad/andy/gk]

i evac'd the system cause i am parting out everything, but yes you are right, you really dont need to evac.
plus i am changing out everything on the suspension, so thats why i pulled it all apart.
but i never thought of leaving the axles in, this makes sense! good call

 

[mazdarichie]

Thanks for the input. Is there any particular metric size wrenches or sockets that I may need? I have most sizes but I don't want to run into any surprises and be stopped from working while I go buy a socket or wrench.

 

[Jackie chan]

It's a 32mm socket for the axle nuts. You'll want deep and regular 14, 17, and 19mm sockets with some extensions. and 23mm for the tranny fill and drain plugs. Not much more than that I don't think.